Scouting Reports: Highlighting Talented Iowa Freshmen

Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: howe30 in the coupon code area   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/12/season-review-disruptive-defenders-in-2028-class/">Season Review: Disruptive Defenders in 2028 Class</a>   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/12/new-names-to-know-in-iowas-2029-class/">New Names to Know in Iowa's 2029 Class</a>   It's that time of year where Prep Redzone Iowa is digging into information from the recently completed campaign as we grow our data base of student-athletes. That process never really stops, but the offseason is when most of that work happens.   I'm diving into the 2029 Class today. The in-state freshmen are off to a great start. Here's a closer look at some of them:    Hanson got his feet wet on the varsity this season, which should help him on his path to becoming an impactful prep performer with college football potential. The freshman contributed nine receptions for 69 yards, 1.5 tackles (1 solo) and a recovered fumble on the top team, while also developing his game in the Creston program's lower levels. We can witness him in that role while watching 2025 highlights on his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/20577657/Riggins-Hanson/highlights">Hudl page</a>. Hanson stands out for his advanced physicality, especially as a ninth-grader. He shows that in picking up tough yards in traffic or when delivering an important block. In fact, he welcomes contact. He's athletic and quick, too, which contributes to a skill set keeping open the possibility for success at multiple positions in the future.     The starter kit is there for Chapman to be a factor on the Power 4 level someday. The Johnston freshman caught the attention of Iowa and Iowa State this year, visiting both campuses for games during the season. Chapman also could have college futures in basketball or baseball, but football is out in front in terms of attention he's currently receiving. It comes after a ninth-grade season that saw him haul in 25 catches for 673 yards and 14 touchdowns in just six games on the non-varsity level of the Dragon program. We can see how he delivered those numbers when checking out some of <a href="https://x.com/ChapmanKam39869/status/1998826626281533755?s=20">his highlights</a> from the campaign. With long arms, long strides, leaping ability and speed, Chapman already is a matchup nightmare for defensive backs. He runs crisp routes and understands how to use his body on contested catches. Chapman has a bright future on the gridiron, and he should start impacting varsity games next fall.     Walsworth is a good bet to make plenty of noise during the next three prep seasons in Iowa. One, he appears to be a talented prospect. Two, he's developing in one of the state's top programs at getting the most out of its student-athletes. For his part, Walsworth oozes potential when we watch him operate as a freshman during his <a href="https://x.com/LincolnWal2029/status/1985540448211890502?s=20">highlight tape</a>. He shows advanced ability in pass protection, getting set up quickly, sliding his feet smoothly, operating with good balance and playing with active hands. Walsworth achieves leverage in the running game, keeping the pads down and driving with his legs. His development will be one to track, no question.     Niegsch laid down a strong foundation for the future with a productive freshman season on which to build. He stood out on both sides of the ball for Gilbert against pre-varsity competition in 2025. When watching his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20091912/690905e5b1092d8c7e32f519">highlight video on offense</a>, we witness a running back that gets downhill in a hurry. Sharp cuts, patience in allowing blocks to set up, burst and vision contribute to success as a ball carrier. His <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20091912/68d2bd6dab2f611abc70494b">defensive highlight video</a> illustrates how he delivers as a linebacker in the Tiger scheme. Operating from the middle of the second level, Niegsch reads what's headed his way before the snap and flies to the football once the play is underway. He's physical with solid tackling form.     Parsons is well positioned for success during his final three high school seasons with an opportunity to develop into a college contributor. That's because his potential at quarterback makes it a possibility for the next level. Athleticism keeps open the chance that he could slot in at another position should schools see him somewhere else other than behind center. When checking out 2025 highlights on Parsons' <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/26532955/julian-parsons/highlights">Hudl page</a>, there's an impactful freshman on the junior varsity. He gashes defenses on designed runs, using speed and power to pile up yardage. A quick release and strong arm make Parsons a threat in the passing game, too.     Paye is a prospect with plenty of upside and an excellent chance to reach it operating in one of the state's top programs for developing talent for the next level. It means student-athletes often must wait their turn while improving on the levels below varsity, which Paye accomplished in 2025. We can see evidence of that growth while watching highlights from this season on his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/23368183/Will-Paye/highlights">Hudl page</a>. Paye flashes potential on both sides of the ball. As a linebacker, he gets downhill fast, separates from blocks and flies to the football with sound form tackling. With the ball in his hands. Paye displays burst, wiggle in traffic and can hit the booster jets in space. He's one to watch moving forward, for sure.

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